Atherix variegata
This record describes Atherix variegata (species). Recorded family: Athericidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male eyes distinctly separated, vs. separated by less than half width of one ocellus in other North American species.
Wikipedia reference for Atherix variegata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherix_variegata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Athericidae (Watersnipe Flies)
- Genus
- Atherix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Northern Manitoba and Ontario south to northern Nebraska and Indiana, probably the only species of Atherix in this range.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Atherix variegata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Atherix variegata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Atherix variegata
What is Atherix variegata?
Atherix variegata is a species in the family Athericidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Atherix variegata?
Male eyes distinctly separated, vs. separated by less than half width of one ocellus in other North American species.
Where is Atherix variegata found?
Range: Northern Manitoba and Ontario south to northern Nebraska and Indiana, probably the only species of Atherix in this range.